Avila

Ávila, also spelled Avila in English, is a city and municipality in the province of Ávila, in the autonomous community of Castile and León, Spain. It serves as the provincial capital and lies in the central Meseta of the Iberian Peninsula. The historic core is renowned for its remarkably well-preserved medieval walls and architectural heritage.

The fortified walls encircle the old town and date mainly from the 11th to 14th centuries. They extend about 2.5 kilometers and feature dozens of towers, several gates, and walkable ramparts. In 1985, the Old Town of Ávila and its Walls was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding example of a fortified medieval town and its cohesive urban fabric.

Within the walls, the Cathedral of Ávila stands as one of Spain’s earliest Gothic cathedrals, combining earlier Romanesque elements with later Gothic additions. The city is associated with Saint Teresa of Ávila, a 16th-century mystic and reformer who founded the Carmelite convents in Ávila; the Convento de Santa Teresa is a major historic site and pilgrimage destination.

Ávila’s economy is centered on services and tourism, drawing visitors to the medieval walls, cathedral, and related religious heritage, as well as to its historic streets, museums, and local festivals. The city is connected by road to Madrid and other regional centers, with the nearest major airport in Madrid.

Note: The name Avila may refer to other places or people and is used in various languages as a surname or given name.